The New Zealand Flag

The official New Zealand flag was first used in 1869. It is based on the British blue ensign with the Union Flag (also known as the Union Jack) in the upper left corner, and four red stars with white borders to the right. These stars represent the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross, as it seen from New Zealand.

Initially used only on government ships, it wasn't until 1902 that it was made the official flag of New Zealand.

The need for an official New Zealand flag was first recognised when a New Zealand trading vessel was seized by customs officials in Sydney harbour. The ship had been sailing without a flag, which was a violation of British navigation laws. However New Zealand-built ships could not fly under a British flag as New Zealand was not yet a British colony.

This incensed Maori, as two important chiefs were on the ship that was seized, and the call for an official New Zealand flag gained impetus.

Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand

The first New Zealand flag was adopted on 9 March 1834 after a vote made by the United Tribes of New Zealand. One of three flags that were initially proposed, this flag became known as the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand.

To Maori, the United Tribes flag signified that Britain had recognised New Zealand as an independent nation with its own flag, and had acknowledged the mana of the Maori chief.

The flag is still flown at Waitangi, site of the signing of New Zealand's founding document, The Treaty of Waitangi.

The Union Jack

Following the signing of the Treaty on 6 February 1840, which effectively made New Zealand a British colony, the Union Jack replaced the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand as the official flag.

However some Maori believed that they should have the right to fly the United Tribes flag alongside the Union Jack, and viewed the Union Jack as a symbol of British power over Maori.

The Union Jack remained New Zealand's flag until the passing of the New Zealand Ensign Act instituted the current flag in 1902, yet was still used regularly in New Zealand well into the 1950s.

Other New Zealand Flags

The Silver Fern

The silver fern flag is often seen at sporting fixtures involving New Zealand teams or individuals. There are many variations, but it is typically the image of a silver fern on a black background. Although it has no formal recognition, many regard it as the unofficial flag of New Zealand.

A symbol of national pride, the silver fern emblem is also incorporated into the logos of many New Zealand sporting teams, including the All Blacks rugby team.

For several years, some people in New Zealand have been calling for a change to the official New Zealand flag that signifies New Zealand's independence from Britain.

Several variations of the silver fern flag have appeared in support of this call for a new national flag.

Tino Rangatiratanga

Since 1990, the Tino rangatiratanga flag has been used by some Maori as an alternative to the official New Zealand flag, and a symbol of Maori independence. Tino rangatiratanga's closest English translation is self-determination, although some refer to it as "absolute sovereignty" or "Maori independence".

Chosen through a competition, this New Zealand flag uses black to represent potentiality, white to represent the physical world of light and understanding, red to represent open daylight (representing the achievement of full potential and understanding), and the Koru, a spiral-like shape representing the unfolding of new life.